Heating apparatus



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Heating Apparatus.

' No. 236,247. Patented Jan. 4,1881.

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(No Model'.) BI P- OSBORNE' 11' Sheets-Sheet 4.

Heating Apparatus.

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(No Model.) 11 Shets-Sheet e.

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(No Model.) 11 Sheets-Sheet 8.

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No. 236,247, I Patented Jam 4, 1 881.

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(No Model.) 11 Sheets-Sheet 9. E. F. OSBORNE. Heating Apparatlis.

NO'. 236,247. 4 Patented Jan. 4,1881.

NJETERS. PHOTO-U1 HCGRAPHER. WASHINGTON. n c.

(No Model.)

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No. 236,247. Patented Jah. 4,1881.

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Heating Apparatus. V

' Patented Jan. 4,1881.

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N. PETERS PHOTOLITHOGHAPHER, WASHINGTON. D. c.

r f UMTED STATES PATENT FFICE.

I EUGENE F. OSBORNE, ()F ST. PAUL, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO HERBERT M. CARPENTER, OF MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA.

H EATING APPARATUS.

SPECIFICATION forming.part of Letters Patent No. 236,247, dated January 4, 1881.

Application filed August 23,1880. (No model.)

- To all whom "it may concern:

Be it known, that I, EUGENE F. OSBORNE, of St. Paul, in the county of Ramsey and State of Minnesota, have invented certain new and useful Improvementsin Steam Heating Plants and Apparatus; and I do hereby declare that the following is afull, clear, and exact description. thereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the letters of refer- IO ence marked thereon, which form a part of this specification.

' In apparatus and systems heretofore employed for furnishing heat to several buildings through the medium of steam derived from a I 5 common source of supply numerous serious faults are observable. Among these may be mentioned, first, the want of accuracy in methods and means employed to determine the amount of heat supplied to the individual buildings orconsumers. Failure in this essential'respe'ct has arisen, generally, from the mistaken effort made to measure the steam itself, which, owing to its varying attenuation, pressure, and hydrous conditions, is utterly impracticable Within the limits of cost and space imposed by the nature of the case. Whenever the attempt has'been made to measure the waters of condensation equally serious error has arisen from the failure, on the one hand, to limit the measurement to the water condensed Within the building, or, on the other hand, to include in the measurement a body of water which, by its volume and temperature, represents or forms a basis for deter- 5 mining the amount of heat supplied. A second objection, common to methods of general steam-heat supply hitherto adopted, is that of water-wastage, by reason of which the cost of boiler-plant is greatly enhanced and the ex- 40 pense of fuel is made disproportionately large.

Where the water to be used is hard such wastage additionally increases very largely the cost of running and outlay for repairs, in consequence of constant accretions of lime and other impurities in the boilers and pipes. In

ent in existing modes of general steam-heating might be cited, all of which, with those mentioned, are attributable to what I believe to be afundamental error common to all such systems-I mean the error of attempting to supply steam, instead of the heat of steam, from the general to the local systems of distribution. I have therefore devised a method and apparatus in which this radical error is avoided, and 1 am able thereby not only to ob- 6o viate the faults specified, but to secure many advantages in other respects. I have particularly sought to attain therein cheapness in original construction, simplicity, effectiveness, economy, and reliability in operation, and practical accuracy in apportionment of charges for heat supplied. I

My invention consists in the several novel features of construction and operation hereinafter fully set forth, and pointed out in the represents the central idea of my invention by a simple fanciful delineation of two totally distinct but interacting circuits, one connected with. the steam-generator, and conducted through the streets, and the other located in a building to be heated. The former is herein denominated the main circuit and the latter the local circuit. Fig. 2 is an elevation of the apparatus located at the generating station, together with a vertical section of a portion of the main-circuit pipes. Fig. 3 is a vertical section of the tank F, (shown in Fig.

2,) revealing certain features of interior construction having reference to some of the tankconnections. Fig. 4 is a central vertical section of the chamber 0 of Fig. 2 through the line 3 y of Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a horizontal section of said chamber through the line y g of 0 Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a transverse section of the projecting portion U of an automatic watersupply regulator connecting the street-main or other source of water-supply with the generators and main circuit. Fig. 7 is an en- 5 larged representation of an apparatus shown in Fig. 2 as connecting the tank F with the imam-circuit supply-pipe for the purpose of imaiutaining a substantially constant minimum difference of pressure between the supply and mo return pipes of the main circuit. Fig. 8 is a vertical transverse section of the pipes of the main circuit arranged as proposed and incased in a box beneath the street-surface. Fig. 9 is a side elevation of the mains and other parts shown in Fig. 8. Fi 10 is a vertical section of an uneven street, showing the direction of the pipes laid therein. Fig. 11 is a side view, partly elevation and partly section, of a fitting or casting, and parts connected therewith, to form a slip or expansion joint in a pipe-line. Fig. 12 is a transverse section of the packing-bulb of the fitting shown in Fig. 11. Fig. 13 shows the fittingJ of Fig.11 applied to form a fiexion-joint, and also (at the right) a modification thereof to give connection to branch pipes. Fig. 14 is a side elevation of a duplex-main coupling of peculiar construction, which forms at once a connection for adjacent pipes in both supply and return mains ot' the main circuit, a rigid connection between the supply and return mains, and a means of interiorly connecting the two mains at will, besides serving other offices,in connection with elevated and depressed pointsin the main lines, as will be explained. Fig. 15 is a central longitudinal vertical section of the coupling just mentioned. Fig. 16 is a transverse section of said coupling through the line x 00 of Fig. 15. Fig. 17 is an enlarged central section of an airvalve to he sometimes used on the duplex main coupling just mentioned and shown in place in Fig. 14. Fig. 18 is a plan of a minor branch coupling of novel construction, adapted for a single one of the mains, or a principal branch thereof, being more especially intended for, and here shown in, the su 'iply-main. Fig. 19 is a vertical transverse section through the line a 00 of Fig. 13. Fig. 20 is a plan, partly in horizontal section, of the coupling of the last two figures detached, showing the interior side wings thereof. Fig. 21 is a side elevation of the same coupling. Figs. 22 and .23 are detail views of the same coupling,

showing devices for tapping the same under pressure for branch service. Figs. 24, 25, and 26 show familiar modes of incasing underground service-pipes and leaders to provide for expansion and contraction therein. Fig. 27 shows, in plan, a business-section and also a residence-section of buildings and the mainpipe lines and branches leading thereto, as herein proposed. Fig. 2b is an enlarged view of the coupling intended for the intersection of streets and of branches leading therefrom to the four adjacent squares of business-buildings. Fig. 2.) illustrates my proposed method of supplying an entire lmsiness-square from a' single connection with the main circuit. Fig. 30 is a top view. and Fig. 32 is a side elevation, of the apparatus by which the main and local circuits of my system eo-opcrate, or, in a sense, connect, by which the water of condensation from the street-mains is separated before measurement, by which the heating force given off to the Fig. 31 is a front elevation,

local circuit is regulated automatically and varied at will, and by which the water of condensation produced by transmission of heat from the main to the local circuit is measured, portions of the apparatus being shown in partial section. Fig. 33 is a vertical section of the anhydrator K, (seen in Fi 31.) Fi 34 is an elevation of the elements of Figs. 30, 31, and 32, somewhat differently arranged and modified to provide for two limited local circuits, one of which is for steam directly supplied from the main circuit. Fig. 35 is an enlarged view, in section, ofthe diaphragm pressure-regulator shown in Figs. 30, 31, 32, 34, 36, and 37. Fig. 36 shows the interior of a residence-building having two limited local circuits, one heating the rear portion by steam and the other heating thefront portion by hot water. Fig. 37 shows the interior of a business-building provided with an engine, a limited local circuit, in connection with the engineexhaust, and a limited circuit for a group of oftices, having an individual meter, and novel appliances for discharging the air from the several radiators in this circuit at a common point. Fig. 38 is an enlarged detail view of parts shown in Fi 37.

For the purpose of imparting, at the outset of this description, a clear general idea of the distinctive feature of my invention, I present the fanciful Fig. No. 1, in whichAand B represent two mains connecting with each other at one extremity through a steam-generator, and at the other through the serviceconnections A and B. A is the steam-supply main. B is the water-return main. Ais the service-supply pipe, and B is the service-rcturn. The mains, with the service-pi1')es,constitute a closedcircuit,continually circulating steam from the generator S outward to the extremity of the circuit, and the water of condensation from this point back to the generator. As a whole, this system is herein desig nated the main circuit. Similarly, a and I) represent aclosed circuit located in the building to which heat is supplied, and having connection to form acircuit through the radiators R, or other appliances for heating, cooking, &c., or through connection with each other outside of or beyond such appliances. This system of pipes to and b, with their communications with cach other, is herein called a local circuit. The two circuits, main and local, are shown in said Fi 1 as being interlinked, but as not having interior connection.

By this I would make plain that the fluid of one circuit does not mingle with that of the other; or, in other words, that the two circulations are entirely separate and distinct. By means of devices to be hereinafter described, which devices are located at the junction of the two circuits, the heat of the steam supplied by the main circuit is transmitted to the contents of the local circuit. The principle of heat-supply in this system is, therefore, that of transmission and not of transfusion. In other words, I supply heat and not steam.

The apparatus through the medium of which heat is transmitted from the oneto the other is called a transmitter. Itmay, for example, correspond with the tubular boiler of an ordinary house steam-heating apparatus. Instead of passing flame and heated gases from a furnace-tire through the boiler-tubes to make steam for the local distribution, steam is passed through the tubes for precisely the same purpose.

By means of aclosed circuit embracing the pipes A A B B and the generator S,the "same water (which is the vehicle of heat) is continually heated over and over and circulated throughout the main system. Being inaccessible, to patrons, such water is or may be maintained at a constant and identical quantity, except so far as it unavoidably escapes by leakage, which is supplied. It thus becomes free from such impurities as injure the boilers and pipes, thereby greatly reducing the cost of repairsand the expense of run ;ning, as well as diminishing the original outlay for boiler-plant, By reason, moreover, of havinga closed circuit distinct from the local distribution, it becomes entirely practicable to accurately determine the amount of heat main and service pipes from the boiler-house to the building to be supplied; third, thetransmitting and metering plant; and, fourth, various details and modifications of interior apparatus suited to a variety of situations and to some special purpose.

In Fig. 2 is shown a room containing steamgenerators, a tank, a pump, and the supply and return mains leading from the room heneath an adjacent street. The said appliances are all in the main circuit.

S S are steam genera-tors or boilers of any approved constructions. A is a steam-pipe or supply-main leading from the boilersSand out of the building, about four feet' beneath the surface of the street. B is a water-pipe or.return-main, having connection with the supply-main at its outer extremity, and entering the building immediately over the sup- .ply-main, as shown. Both mains are incased in the same box X. Said pipe B enters the tank F near its bottom, as indicated in Fig. 2, and has continuation, through the medium ot' the tank and the pipe B to the pump P, and thence, through'B to thegeneratorsthe boiler S,'and thus maintain the circulation through the main circuit. The pump-water feed B is above the entrance of pipe Band below the proposed water-line of the tank F.

The pump P is made automaticin its operation, asfollows: S and S is the steam-supply from the boilers S to the pump. Said supply is provided with a valve-chest, 0, within which is adouble puppet-valve operated by a float within the tank F, to which the valvechest is attached. The details of construction and mode of operation are shown in Figs. 3, 4, and 5, Fig.4 being a vertical section in the plane of the pipes S S or 3 y of Fig. 5, and Fig. 5 being a horizontal section through y y of Fig. 4. O is a horizontal shaft near the bottom and at one side of the valve-chest G, passing through said chest and into the tank F, and closing the passage between the two by the ground joint 0 Within the tank said shaft has a lateral arm, 0, to the extremity of which is attached the float F which float rides the water of said tank and oscillates the shaft 0. Within the chest 0 said shaft has a second lateral arm, 0 pivoted to the rod of the double puppet-valve O seated in the upper and lower walls of the interior valve-chamber, c, as seen in Fig. 4. The steam-supply S enters the outer chamber, U, and the pipe S leads from the inner chamber, 0. \Vhen the Water in the tank F rises above its proper level (indicated by a dotted line in Fig. 3) the valve (3 is raised by the float F and the steam, always on full head in the outer chamber, (his let onto the pump. The speed of 13113 pump is thusconstantly regulated by thewater of the tank F, and operates to maintain the same at a constant level.

The exhaust P of the pump P is shown as leading to the tank F. Within the tank F the pipe B has a horizontal extension, B below the water-line, closed, however, as an outlet, by a check-valve, f The discharge of the return-inainB is through the vertical extension B and horizontal extension B at the upper part of the tank, B being provided with a check-valve, f opening upward. By means of these valves, arranged as described in the pipes B and B if steam should be liberated and then suddenly condensed at any point in the return-main B, the water of the tank will flow back into the said main through the valve P. The extension B is perforated, or otherwise fitted to discharge in aspray tocondense. the steam from the exhaust P, if admitted, or the steam from pipe A which will be further mentioned.

W isa water-main or other general source of watersupply, drawn upon from time to time, as required, to replenish the small but inevitable wastage from leakage in the main circuit pipe W and tank F, aswill now be described by reference to Fig-5.2 and 6.

U is a float-chamber, communicating with the boiler S by means of the pipes u a, respectively above and below the range of waterline in said boilers. U is a wing of the chamber U, having secured externally thereto ton the farther side, as U U is presented in Fi 2) a double valve chamber, U (Shown in Fig. 6 in vertical sectionthrough as wet Fig. 2.) The construction and operation ofthis device is substantially identical with that of the regulator 0, already described in connection with the tank F and pump P for regulating the supply of steam to the latter.

U is a float riding the water of chamber U, and a is a shaft oscillated by said float and working the double puppet U connecting the chambers U and U The water from the main W is admitted to the chamber U through the pipe 20. It enters the chamber U through passages opened by valve U when said valve is raised, and has outlet to the tank F through the pipe '10. Of course this mode ofautomatic water supply is practicable only when the pressure on the main W is sufficient to feed against that of the tank F.

It is desirable that the temperature of the water of condensation returned to the boilers shall as nearly equal that of the steam when it leaves the boilers as is consistent with the practical working of the main circuit, or, in other words, with the proper return of the water of condensation gathered in the line of the return-main. The difference necessary to this end (represented by the difference of pressure) varies with the contour of the lines, elevation of the transmitters, relative size of the supply and return mains, and other conditions not necessary to here mention. For the purpose of maintaining a practically constant difference in pressure, and therefore of temperature, at the head of the main circuit,

between the mains A and B of said circuit, which difference shall be the minimum that will permit the proper return of the water of condensation through the return-main, I provide a pipe, A which leads from the supply A in the generator-room to the tank F. Said pipe is provided with a reducingvalve, L, (shown in section in Fi 7,) automatically controlled by the diaphragmregulator L, the weight-arm I of which bears upon the valverod 1. The diaphragm of this regulator is shown to be subject on one side to pressure from the supply A through A and A and on the other to pressure from the tank F through the pipe f. The desired difi'erence between tank and main pressures, or, in other words, between the pressure of the supply and return mains, is obtained by properly locating the weight L on the arm l.

While I have, for greater clearncss, shown the connection A as leading from the supply A through A in the boiler-room, it may, for my purpose, preferably be taken from said supply-main at the outer extremity ofthe main circuit. This may be accomplished by means of a small pipe laidin the box X from said extreme point of the main circuit to the boilerroom, and here connected, as shown, with the regulator L, said pipe being filled with water.

The tank F is provided with a safety-valve, F, water-gage)", and may, in some situations, be prudently provided also with a vacuumvalve. (Not shown.)

The distributing-plant consists, as stated, of the supplymain A, the return -main B, the service-supply A, and the service-return B. The latter, or service-pipes, extend from the main pipes A and B'to the interior of the buildings to be heated, and there they connect with each other through the transmitting, metering, and other apparatus, which will form a separate branch of this description.

The supply and return mains are conducted through the streets at a suitable distance beneath the surface, and are preferably arranged in the novel manner indicated in Figs. 2, 8. and S), and other figures-that is to say, with the return-pipe above the supply-pipe. They are together incased in the strong box X, of wood or other suitable material, and are separately covered in any suitable manner to insure the retention of their heat. I prefer as a covering for the several pipes, next to the pipe a coating of paper-say one-eighth inch in thickness-outside of this a body of feltor similar material, about one inch, and, finally, a double covering of heavy paper tubing saturated with coal-tar. The box X, if rectangular and made of wood, is laterally stayed at intervals, if necessary, by transverse struts X, passing between the pipes and bearing against the vertical supports X. The box is accessible at suitable points through man-hole boxes X Figs. 2 and 10, having several closetitting covers, one above the other, inclosing dead-air spaces between them.

The return-main of the duplex distributing system is generally smaller than the supplymain, and in locating said return over the supply, as described, any heat given off from the supply contributes to maintain the temperature of the return by rising to the top of the box. In this arrangement of the mains the pipe A is supported upon transverse rollers A, resting on the bottom of the box X, or on the intermediate iron plate 1 laid thereon. The pipe B is similarly supported on rollers B interposed between the mains. By this means any longitudinal movement of the pipes growing out of expansion and contraction is provided for. For the purpose of keeping the mains in proper relative position, and ofatt'ording suitable bearings for the rollers, the mains are seated in saddles I I, and the main .A is provided with the upper saddle, I, all preferably having inner projections, which pass through the outer coverings and bear upon the pipes themselves. Said saddles or plates are also provided with longitudinal V- shaped flanges i, which enter corresponding grooves in the rollers A and B as clearly seen'in Fig. 8.

To still further insure stability in the positended to receive the packing J 'tral pipe-passage 0f the fitting.

tion of the mains,the saddles I I of the supplymain A meet and are bolted to each other at the sides of the-main, as also shown in Figs.8 and 9. While providing in the length of the track-plates I and I for'all probably needful movement of the rollers thereon, displacement of the rollers is made impossible by projections 't' at the ends of the plates.

In accordance with obvious necessity, and with the usual practice from time immemorial, in constructing long lines of steam-pipe, both above and beneath ground, I provide for expansion and contraction in the pipe-line by means of slip-joints. lalso provide for deflections from the horizontal by means of the familiar ball-and-socket or common flexio'n joint. Since the flexion and the slip joints will ordinarily be required about equally often in the course of a pipe-line, and since they may preferably be located at the same points in the line, I have, with a view to economy, devised a novel fitting or coupling adapted to both the slip and the flexion movements. It is specially illustrated'in Figs. 1 1, 12, and 13 of the drawings, and incidentally shown in other figures. It consists of the casting J, having a packingbulb,J., at one end, and a ball, J, at the other. Within the bulb J is a double-convolute or double-curved wedge-shaped chamber, J in- The outer and wider ends of the chamber J? open to the circumference of the bulb through threaded pas-sages, which admit the packing J and receive the thick screws J The inner and narrower parts of the chamber open about the cen- J is a short section of pipe, made of suitable non-corrosive material, and smoothly finished on its outer surface. It is fitted to slip freely in the central passage of the castingJ is threaded at its outer extremity, and is packed to make a close slipping joint with the casting J by running in the screws J upon thepacking J At the ball end the fitting is interiorly threaded to connect rigidly with the next section of pipe, in case a flexed jointis not there required. At the left hand,in Fig. 13, the fitting J is shown in connection with asocket applied to the ball J thusforming both a slip and fiexion joint. J is a cast socket-piece, cupped in its broad face to receive the ball J and the interposed packing j. The ball is held in place by the divided clamping-plate J the edges of whose parts meet and interlock, as shown at j, Fig. 1.4. The recess J Fig. 13, in the socket-head permits considerable deflection of the joint a without contraction of the central passage. At

the right, in Fig. 13, the fitting J is provided with lateral wings J (shown too near the packing-bulb, however) for branch-pipe connections. Said wings consist simply inlateral projections cast on the body of the fitting and tapped to receive the connecting-pipes, the general passage through the casting being, of course, extended into the wings, so as to be reached by the taps.

It is desirable, first, that the duplex-main system, consisting of the supply A and return B, shall be at intervals rigidly connected with each other; second, that provision shall be made at low points in the line for the transfer of the water of condensation from the steamsupplymain to the return-main above it; third, that in case of accident to a section of the supply-main in the line the steam may be diverted to the return-main to be used temporarily as a supply or by-pass, and, fourth, that under certain circumstances the duplex line maybe terminated at a point between its extremities, and a shorter complete main circuit established by the connection of the supply and return mains at such intervening point. For these purposes, and also for the purpose of a branch or service connection, I have devised a novel fitting or coupling, (specially illustrated in Figs. 14, 15, and 16 of the drawings.) This coupling is a double-chambered casting, (designated as a whole by the letter D.) The lower chamber, D, receives at its opposite ends the contiguous sections of the supply-main A, and the upper chamber, D similar] y receives and connects the contiguoussections of the return-main B. Preferably one end of the coupling has its head D cupped to seatthe balls of the fittings J, already described, for the reason that usually, or often, at the points where the coupling D will be used there will be occasion for either a slip or a fiexion joint, or both. The opposite head of the coupling may also be of the same description; but it will usually be tapped, as shown, to receive rigidly the threaded pipes A and B. The lower chamber, D, is shown to be square and the upper one cylindrical. This construction is favorable to the application to the coupling of the drip-transfer device, that will be hereinafter described, and also to the connection of branch or service pipes, as will readily appear.

For the purpose of giving access to the chambers D D and also of utilizing the coupling to make a bypass, as stated, without the expense of gates or valves, the upper chamber is provided with the large plugged opening D and the lower one with the plugged opening D. By means of these openings the ends of the pipes A and B are accessible and may bestopped off, as shown by dotted lines, Fig. 15. A passage may be opened between the chambers, and other obvious changes made, as occasion may require. D"is made separately accessible through the hand-hole D The coupling D is held stationary in the line by means of the anchor D, which is a heavy transverse bar of wood or iron, extending on both sides and solidly embedded in the earth or secured to the sides of the incasin'g-box X.

The service-pipes A and Bare respectively connected with the coupling D in the manner shown in Figs. 14 and 16, the same relative position being maintained in said services as in the mains described. At the right, in Fig. 16, the service-supply connection A is shown,

IIO

The steam-chamber as an exceptional ease, run down to near the bottom of the chamber 1), in order to take water of condensation through the service, if required for a special purpose. To give room for the stop-valves shown in the services, and to afford convenient access thereto, the service-supply A has an offset, (more clearly seen in No. 14 of the figures so far described.) At whatever other points the coupling D may be placed it will be required usually at the low and high points in the line. To tit the same for use as a drip-transfer at the low points of the main line, the pipes D 1), and D are made to connect the chambers D and D and are provided with the float-valve d and check-valve (1 The valve (1 is operated by the float D located in the chamber 1), and connected with the valve (1 by the rod (1, pivoted at d. The excess of pressure in the main A will always, in operation, be sufficient to raise the water of condensation through the pipes D D and 1) from said main to the return B above it, when the valve (1? is open. The float D, which controls this valve, is preferably adjusted to never permit the water to rise above the lower inner surface of the main A. For exceptional use, a set-screw, d, is arranged, as shown in Figs. 14 and 16, to hold the check-valve d closed.

To lit the coupling D to discharge air from the return-main B at high points in the line, said coupling is tapped at D, Fig. 15, to receive the float air-valve. (Shown enlarged in vertical section in Fig. 17.) This air-valve has the float I) in the bulb-chamber D, which works the valve d in the lateral recess shown, and the check-valve (1", opening upward in the escape-pipe. Remembering that the returnmain B is filled with water, the operation of the air-valve is obvious. The large air-chambers, which it is proposed to apply at suitable intervals along the line to the return-main B, may also be connected to this coupling, using the opening D preferably, for this purpose. It is, of course, not always necessary to use a flexion-joint in connection with the coupling D; wherefore both ends of said coupling may sometimes be made with both heads tapped to connect rigidly with threaded sections of pipe, as shown at one end in the Figs. 14, 15, and 16 described.

For smaller or branch mains Ihave specially shown, in Figs. 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23, a novel fitting, consisting of a cast coupling, E, provided with lateral chambered wings E, the latter being tapped on the top to receive the service-pipe. This coupling, intended for use more commonly on the service or branch pipes, is shown provided with anovel device, whereby connection therewith may be readily made while it is under pressure. This device, which will form the subject for a separate application for patent, consists in a plug or bush, E having a threaded aperture of proper size to admit the proposed connecting pipe. Said bush E bears against the annular shoulder e, narrower than the thickness of the bush. 13etween the bush E and shoulder a is interposed a disk of rubber packing, 0, having'the metal disk 0 which is larger than the aperture of the bush E and bears upward against the said bush, making, by means of the intervening packing, e, a closejoint therewith when the line is under pressure. The tap or nipple E by which connection is to be made with the coupling E, is beveled outwardly at its lower eml, as shown at 0 in Fig. 23. When the connection is to be made, this nipple E is run down against the packing a, and is worked backward and forward and gradually inward until the packing is cut through by the nip ple-edge c whereupon the piece cut out, having the disk 0 attached thereto, falls to the bottom of the chamber, as shown in Fig. 23, leaving the connection complete. By means of this device the lines of pipes may be prepared,when laid, to receive connections at all desired points and at any time without taking olf the pressure therefrom. Obviously, if deemed necessary, the device set forth may also be applied to the main coupling 1), already described.

ln running long lines of incased servicepipes, provision may sometimes be more economically made for expansion and contraction of said pipes by the construction shown in Figs. 24, 25, and 26, which will be recognized by those acquainted with the art as very ancient and familiar devices. In Fig. 24: the space between the short sections of pipe at right angles with the line is sufticient to permit the direct lines to approach without striking in any possible elongation thereof by expansion, and the length of the said short sections is sutlicient to allow the same to spring in the elongation of the direct line without opening the joints. As to the box X in these figures, it is simply made large enough at the angles of the pipe to give room for the movement of the pipes in the act of expanding or contracting.

On the smaller branches and service-lines the separation and relative position of the two pipes, supply and return, need not require the use of the rollers shown in Figs. 8 and 9; but the saddles, preferably interposed at intervals, and having broad and flat faces, may meet and slip one upon the other.

Having now described the general details of construction in the underground streetmains, branches, services, and their connections with each other, I next point out preferred methods for their arrangement and direction in the streets and passages where lilltl.

It is of the first importance that there shall be as few points of connection as may be, for many reasons besides economy in construction of plant. 1 have therefore contrived an arrangement by which a single central connection, and man-hole giving access thereto, may be made to serve in many instances for four entire squares of businessbuildings. This arrangement is shown in general plan in Lll Fig. 27. It consists in locating acoupling, I), at the intersections ofalternate streets, taking four pairs of supply and return services therefrom, and running one pair of them entirely around each square beneath the sidewalks. From this general or main service pipe of each squamjheindividual services are taken off to the interior apparatus of the several buildings on thesquare. Fig. 28 is an enlarged View of the connection in the streetintersection, showing the duplex services carried'along parallel (and in the same'box X) with the mains A'and B,to points opposite the sidewalks, whence they deflect at right angles with the mains and enter the space beneath the walks. In business-blocks this space is almost invariably excavated, and forms an outer extension of the cellar or basement space of the buildings, affording ample and available space for the location of the pipes and ready and convenient'access to the connections ot' the individual services leading therefrom. In Fig. 29 a corner portion of the walk or flagging is removed, showing in plan the general direction and position of this general service, with an individual service leading from it in View. In these severalFigs. 27, 28, and 29, M represents the duplex main lines, constituted of thesupply-main A and returnmain B; M, the duplex branch lines, formed of the general service-supply A and corresponding return B; and m, the individual duplex service, formed of the supply and return pipes 'A and B, leading from 'M to the inte-- rior of an individual building. The large couplings D D are shown in the street at the right in Fig. 27 as adapted for intersecting mains, or as four-way couplings.

The four squares at the left, in Fig. 27, are intended to represent residence -blocks, in which the general duplex service branch line M runs from one main line to the next'parallel line through the alleys of the intervening squares, and the individual service-lines m are shown in dotted lines as entering the several buildings at the rear.

Coming, now, to the third branch of this description, I proceed to give a detailed explanation of the transmitting, metering, and other apparatus in the main circuit, at and near the point of its junction with the distributing apparatus of the individual buildings, to which some reference will also, of necessity, be here made. 7

In Figs. 30, 31, and 32 I have shown a compact unitary construction of apparatus, embracing an anhydrator, a transmitter, and a meter, through which the service-pipes A and B connect with each other, completing a branch of the main circuit. In this arrangement of the apparatus mentioned, K is a rectangular cast-iron box, which forms a base for the remaining parts. The supply-service A communicates with the top of the chamber or tank-trap K through an anhydrator, K. On entering the chamber K the separated water falls to the bottom, and the dry steam passes upward from the top of thechamber' through A to the transmitter. 'The transmitter here shown consists of a closed vertical metal cylinder, T, supported from the box R by the frame T and interiorly divided by parallel diaphragms t t. The upper and lower chambers of the transmitter, cut off .by these diaphragms, are connected with each other by the numerous tubes t t, like those of a tubular boiler. The steam-supply A enters the upper chamber of the cylinder T, and the return B leads from the lower chamber thereof, carrying the water of condensation to the me ter N. The meter discharges by the pipe B into the chamber K, whence the water is forced out through the pipe 13", having the float-valve k into the service-return B.

The anhydrator K consists of a cylindric shell inclosing a fixed worm, k, which gives the steam a spiral direction. In accordance with the well-known principle of this appliance, the water of hydrous steam, having greater specific gravity than the steam itself, is separated by centrifugal action from the latter, and on entering the chamber Kfalls to the bottom. Onlydry steam, therefore, enters the transmitter through the pipe A The central chamber, T, of the transmitter T, bounded by the diaphragms t t and penetrated by the tubes t, is in direct communication with the local circuit, as distinctly shown in Figs. 31 and 32, wherein ais the supply and b the return of the local or interior distributing system of the building.

In the operation of the apparatus the hea of vaporization, due to a given pressure of the steam supplied through the pipe A A as described, is transmitted to the fluid contained in the local circuit a I), through the walls of the tubes 13 and the diaphragms t. In parting with its heat of vaporization the steam supplied is, of course, condensed. As a consequence the top of the transmitter is occupied bysteam and the lower portion by the water of condensation. ltis proposed that the waterline shall usually be above the bottom of the tubes t t. The heat imparted in the transmitter from the contents of the main circuit to the contents of the local circuit or system is not only the heat of vaporization in the steam, but is also the heat, or a portion of the heat, of the condense-water. For, as is well known, the temperature of the condense-water at the instant of condensation is equal to that of the steam from which it is condensed; but the water quickly gives off its heat to a contiguous body of lower temperature, so that it is only 'at the surface of the water that the high temperature mentioned prevails. For the purposes of this description a plane located a short distance below the water-surface may therefore be imagined to exist, above which plane heat is transmitted from the main to the local circuit or system, and below which heat is not transmitted. ltis clear that ifthis plane, or the parallel water-surface, be raised and lowered in the tubes t, the area'of heat-transof heat transmitted from the main to the local circuit or system, and for the further purpose of efi'ecting this regulation with reference to the varyingexpenditure of heat throughoutthe local circuit, an ordinary pressure diaphragm regulator, Gr, may be employed, as follows: The upper face of the diaphragm Fig. 35, is subjected to pressure from the chamber T of the local circuit through the pipe g. In the pipe B is located a valve, G, whose stem g eonnects directly. or through the medium of the weight-arm {1 with the diaphragm-pin 1 so that pressure from the local circuit on said diaphragm tends to close the valve. The weight G on the other hand, operates, through the arm 9 to oppose the pressure ot'the diaphragm and to open the valve G, said arm g being, for this purpose, appropriately connected with the valve-stem g and diaphragm-pin The pressure on the local circuit being, of course, proportionate with the heat of said circuit, when the latter is less than the degree at which the regulator is set the valve G will be opened, and vice versa. The degree of heat required in the local circuit may be varied at will by shifting the position of the weight G on the arm 9 Coming, now, to the meter, it may be stated that, for the general purpose of my invention, any reliable fluid-meter may be employed. I have, however, devised a special form of meter, which I prefer in connection with this system. As said meter forms the subject of separate application for patent, it will be here only brielly described in relation to parts connected therewith, as shown in 'the drawings, as follows:

N is a cast-ironca se fastened to the top plate of the tank-trap K. The discharge-pipe B leading from the transmitter, enters the metercase at the top. The meter is divided into two chambers, which are successively supplied by appropriate inner and automatic mechanism, and which successively discharge, by valves operated by the sameinner mechanism,through the branched pipe B, located within the chamber K, and reaching to near the bottom thereof, as seen in Fig. 31.

It has been stated above, in connection with the description of the transmitter, that heat is taken from the hot water as well as from the steam within said transmitter. As so far described, the meter, measuring only the condense-water of the transmitter, would not record the heat taken from said condense-water, but only that taken from the steam. This would obviously be inaccurate and insufficient. Moreover, in parting with heat said condensewater is reduced in volume somewhat, which fact would increase the inaccuracy ofthe measurement. To correct this inaccuracy steam is admitted from the supply of the main circuit to the meter, or to the condense-water pipe leading thereto near the meter, for the purpose of restoring to the condense-water about to be measured the temperature lost subsequent to condensation. The restoration of this temperature by the means stated of course involves the condensation of the steam by which the restoration is effected, and the measurement of the water so condensed, together with that originally condensed, is the true measurement from which to register the heat given off by both the steam and hot water in the transmitter. Thus raising the temperature also restores the original volume of the condensewater from the transmitter, and therefore makes themeasurement perfect. The heat transmitted to the local circuit equals, therefore, the heat of vaporization of the water passed through the meter. Provision for thus admitting steam from the supply of the main circuit to the meter is shown at n", Fig. 34, consisting in a pipe leading from the supply-pipe A to the top of the meter. It may consist of a passage provided in the meter itself and leading upward from the tank-trap K to the top of the meter, when these parts are arranged as shownin Figs. 31 and 32. Another otfice of this connection or steam-passage is to equalize the pressure between the meter and the tank-trap K, whereby the meter is enabled to discharge freely into said trap. Between the transmitr ter and the meter a return bend trap, n, of suitable head, is inserted in the pipe B, to prevent the passage of steam under all circumstances. The presence of this trap necessitates the application of an air-valve to the lower chamber ofthe transmitter, which valve should discharge into the meter. Said air-valve is not shown.

The meter should preferably be contrived to register in dollars and cents.

For an exceptional use of the return-main and return branch or service pipes as supplypipes, which will be hereinafter described, the connection 13, provided with the stop-valve B unites the return B and supply A! near the transmitting and metering apparatus, as seen in Fig. 3l.

Other parts, shown in Figs. 30, 31, and 32, and not so far described, will be explained in connection with later remarks upon the exceptional or alternative use of the return mains and branches as steam-supply pipes.

I next proceed to describe some forms of local-circuit construction adapted to be used in connection with the main circuit described.

I first remark that the local circulation may be either steam or hot water, as desired. In either case, a will represent the outlet from the transmitter T, conveying the steam or water to the several heating appliances in the circuit, and b will be the return, leading from such appliances back to the transmitter, and returning water thereto to be reheated or revaporized, as the case may be.

Referring, again, to Fig. 31, when steam is madethemedium of heat-distribution, the

chamber T of the transmitter T is filled toa proper height, indicated by the gage which connects with said chamber. It a water-supply having sufficient pressure is available, an

automatic feed may be applied to the circuit,

as also shown in Fig. 31. T shows a small tankfor this purpose, communicating by the pipes 73 witlrthe chamber T of the local circuit above and'belo'wits proper water-line. The pipe 10 discharges into the tank T from thesource of water-supply under the control of a float-valve within said tank. The waterline in the tank T being the same as that in the chamber T the quantity of water in the latter will be maintained substantially on this line. In the absence of connection with a water-source ot' suflicient head, the local circuit will be supplied from time to time by -connectedwith the stove,) a cooking appara tus, R, and a radiator, R, which several appliances may, together, stand for the general working apparatus of an entire building.

The only novel feature requiring additional description here is the water-heater Rflwhich,

- for the purpose of connection with the closed circuit a b, is provided with an outerjacket or shell, between which and the inner water-vessel isthe chamber 1, connected in said local circuit. The inner or water chamberis shown connected with the water-back of the stove or range in the usual manner. The hot-water circuit in the front or main portion of the building has a separate transmitter, T, (shown at the left of that already-mentioned,) connected with the main circuit through the hori} zontal extensions of A" and B (Clearly shown.) The vertical supply at of this limited local circuit leads up from the top of the chamber T of the transmitter. Horizontal pipes run therefrom to-the several radiators or other appliances to be heated, and the general return 1) leads back from'said appliances to the bottom of the chamber T of the transmit-ten Above the highest radiator in the building, and connected with the supply a, is an expansion-tank, W provided with .a gage, 10 The circuitis tilled trom the water-supply W (here shown as a tank in the rear attic) through the water-feed, 10*. From the expansion-tank W rises the pipe to, open at the top, and having a cock 10 The circuit is filled to show a water-line above the bottom of the expansiontank W by the gage 20 The transmitter T of the circuit has a diaphragm pressure-regulator, G, of vthe character, and connected, as

already described of Fig. 35. When the cock 20 is open, the regulatorG is subject to pressure due to the head of water in the pipe a and its Vertical extension. This head will vary with the temperature of the water in the circuit, and the weight G is set on the regulator-arm to balance' the head when said water is of the temperature required to heat the building. Two weights maypreferably be used-one to balance the natural head, or that of the water in the circuit when cold, and the other to be variably set to balance the increase of head due to raised temperature from time to time required in the circuit. If a temperature is required in this hot-water circuit materially greater than that due to atmospheric pressure, it will only be necessary to close the valve 20 when the specific office of the expansion-tank W will appear. Said tank being of proper dimensions and inclosing a body of air above the water-line, the compression of said airbody will permit any expansion of the water and increase of pressure in the circuit within the limits of strength in the pipes. The pressure upon the diaphragm-regulator Gr when the valve to is closed is steam-pressure and not hydraulic.

In thus illustrating the conjoined use of steam and hot-water circuits in one building, it is apparent that both need not be so used,

(but that the entire working apparatus of a building may be either for steam or water, as required.

When special reasons exist for so doing, steam may be taken from the main circuit, run through a local circuit and back, as water through a meter, for measurement into the main circuit.

In Fig. 34. I have shown an arrangement for two limited local circuitsone a closed circuit from the transmitter T, as already set. forth, and the other circulating steam from, and therefore being in fact in, the main circuit. The latter has the tank- F connected with the supply a and return I) of this limited circuit on the equalized-pressure principle set forth in Letters Patent of the United States numbered 2l2,320, granted to me February 18, 1879, a being the equalizing-pipe of that patent. There are, however, serious objections to the direct circulation of steam from the main through the local circuit. Among these may be mentioned, first, the necessity of using the steam at the pressure on the mains,

or of reducing the pressure by a reducing-- turn, which, in itself, entails numerous objectionable results, besides the very serious one 

